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Any coach or parent who has watched 5 vs. 5 for grades 1 – 4 can tell you how chaotic it can be. The numbers game ay be a better alternative to full-court games that still makes it fun for the players and will help with skill development.
Numbers Game
With 12 players on a team, the numbers game might be a fun and useful way to incorporate games with grades 1 through 4. I have used it at clinics and with a youth program. The players really enjoy it. It spreads out the court and allows for better games.
Objective: to give the players a chance to play full court against similar skilled players.
Method:
- Players are assigned numbers. Players can be lined up by height. This is the easiest method. (Players also can be assigned based on talent, but at this age there is not much of a difference.The numbers also can be random and still achieve the same results.)
- Teams line up on a sideline. Teams are assigned a direction to go. It is critical to have adults on the sideline to help facilitate the drill and answer any questions.
- The Head Coach calls out 2-5 numbers, players come out and play for a minute or two.
- With younger players give one side the ball to start. With older kids, the ball can be rolled out and the players can compete for possession of the ball.
- After play is stopped repeat the process.
Once the players are lined up on the sideline, the coach will yell out TWO numbers to start. This will make sure that the players have a chance to run up and down and get their hands on the ball. 4 possessions will be the maximum for this age group. The coach will blow the whistle to stop play and the players will return to the sideline.
Once the players have returned, a new set of numbers will be called out and the process will be repeated until all the players have had a turn. The coach should type out the order before the session.
1st grouping 2 v. 2
1, 2
3, 4
5, 6
7, 8
9, 10
11, 12
Coaches should evaluate the play of 2 v. 2. If you feel it is fun and the players are benefiting, simply continue playing 2 v. 2 with different combinations of players. I have found it adds excitement for the players when an additional player is added.
2nd 3 v. 3
1, 2, 3
4, 5, 6
7, 8, 9,
10, 11, 12
9, 10
11, 12
Again, evaluate the success of the 3 v. 3. The older the players are the more likely more players will make the experience better for the players and their development.
3rd 4 v. 4
1, 2, 3, 4
5, 6, 7, 8
9, 10, 11, 12
Personally, I feel 4 v. 4 is the highest number of players on a court at young ages, because in 5 v. 5, one player usually gets the ball, dribbles the length of the court and shoots a crazy shot. That means 9 players are standing watching. At least with 4 v. 4 only 7 will be watching.
Hopefully some coaches find this a useful option to uses with a team or league.
The one problem that needs to be figured out is if one team has 10 and the other has 12. I think the best way is to simply have players on the team assume 2 numbers or the coach can alternate who gets the extra shift.